Things are heating up as the transfer window heads into its final month.

Real Madrid are hoping their hot pursuit of Tottenham's Luka Modric will come to an end soon as the 26-year-old Croatian international is reportedly holding out for the deal to be done.

There still appears to be a major disparity between what Spurs want, and what Madrid is willing to give up. Tottenham are looking for up to £40 million, while Real Madrid have offered only £24.9 million, according to a report by the Guardian. A resolution may happen soon, as Modric sat out Tottenham's final training session before a U.S. tour that starts this week.

Madrid hopes that Modric holding out will get the deal done quicker, and at a lower price for Jose Mourinho's side. Modric is set to be fined for skipping the tour. The speculation involving Modric has been incessant for months, but Tottenham will likely drag it out further to get as much as they can for their prized playmaker.

Mourinho has also shown interest in Manchester City's Micah Richards. The right back is currently playing for Great Britain in the Olympics and figures to have a prominent role with Los Galacticos.

The 24-year-old Birmingham native has been in and out of the starting line up under Roberto Mancini, and Mourinho has been interested in him since his days managing Chelsea. A £20 million offer has been made for the young right back, according to Daily Star.

It appears that Richards's status is now up to City. Is one of their star defenders worth £20 million?

Richards is not the only defensive player on Mourinho's radar, though. According to Metro, Real Madrid are interested in Maicon, and the 30-year-old right back has garnered a £6 million offer to Inter Milan.

With Inter looking to go young, it's not surprising that they would consider moving the Brazilian star. Chelsea have been linked to Maicon in recent weeks, as well.

Real Madrid have also been targeting City winger David Silva, according to Daily Star and Daily Mirror, but there have not been any new reports in weeks.